NEW PHILADELPHIA - Tuscarawas County Public Library System officials are inviting community members to explore the night sky with them this summer. 

Public Relations Associate Molly Calhoun says they will be offering four free telescope training and stargazing sessions during the month of July across the library locations. She says these programs tie into this year's Summer Reading theme of "A Universe of Stories" and give people who might have never looked through a telescope before a chance to learn experience the fun and excitement of astronomy. 

Upcoming stargazing programs at the library include:

  • Starwatch for Adults and Teens – Main Library - July 9th from 9 to 11pm (rain date July 10th)
  • Telescopes, Stars, and Constellations (Grades 5-8) – Main Library - July 15th at 1:30pm 
  • How to Get Started in Stargazing (Grades 6-12) – Sugarcreek Branch - July 23rd at 7pm
  • Night Sky Viewing (Ages 12 & up) – Tuscarawas Branch - July 29th at 8:30pm

The sessions are free to attend but registration is required. To register, visit the library's online event calendar at www.tusclibrary.org or call 330-364-4474. In addition to these programs, the library system also has a telescope that cardholders can check out to use at home or take with them on camping trips.

TUSCARAWAS COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEM